4.49 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This gemstone is a 4.49 carat round blue flash moonstone, with dimensions of 10.92 x 10.34 x 5.94 mm, cut as a cabochon to showcase its characteristic adularescence. The material is opaque with a medium light color intensity and a distinct blue flash that shifts as the light angle changes, creating a subtle, internal glow. Clarity is evaluated as very slightly included at eye level, with inclusions that do not detract from the visual effect or compromise the integrity of the stone. The surface has been finished to an excellent polish, allowing the adularescence to display cleanly across the dome, and no enhancement has been applied, preserving the natural character and origin of the gem from Ceylon Sri Lanka.

The cabochon form and the 5.94 mm height create a pronounced dome that maximizes the play of light inherent to quality moonstone material. The slight asymmetry reflected in the 10.92 by 10.34 mm measurements suggests a near round outline, which can be accommodated as a round or subtle oval mounting depending on design intent. Because the adularescence is a layered optical effect, orientation in the mounting is important, with the table set to face the primary viewing angle to ensure the blue flash appears at eye level. The very slightly included clarity grade is consistent with natural moonstone structure, and the excellent polish means surface treatments will not be necessary, allowing jewelers to work directly with the original finish without altering the optical properties.

This specimen adapts well to a wide range of jewelry settings, with some practical considerations that guide the choice of mounting. For rings and daily wear pieces, bezel settings and low profile cups offer the best protection for the dome while preserving the visual impact, because the continuous metal rim reduces the risk of chipping on a stone that ranks lower on the hardness scale than many faceted gems. For presentation pieces and pendants, an open back or gallery mounting allows light to reach the stone from multiple angles, enhancing the blue flash during wear, and a higher bezel or minimal prong architecture will permit the dome to remain the focal point. Earrings and brooches are ideal for showing the adularescence in motion, and the weight and dimensions here make the stone suitable for single statement studs or paired with smaller complement stones, such as calibrated sapphires for chromatic contrast or small diamonds to introduce scintillation around the moonstone. Design alternatives include halo settings to frame and protect the cabochon, artisan bezels with engraved or filigree rails to add character, and mixed metal approaches where a warm rose gold bezel sets off the cool blue flash while a white gold or platinum shank provides structural durability.

Working with The Natural Gemstone Company, clients can specify practical fabrication parameters guided by the stone dimensions and optical features, ensuring the final piece both highlights the moonstone and addresses wearability. Recommended bench notes include providing a bezel cup depth that accommodates the 5.94 mm dome and secures the girdle without excessive pressure on the stone, specifying low but secure prongs if a prong setting is preferred, and considering the use of protective shoulders or a partial bezel to reduce exposure for ring settings intended for frequent wear. Accent selection should respect the soft sheen of the moonstone, with cool toned gems enhancing the blue flash and warm toned metals creating a visually pleasing contrast, and professional jewelers can advise on the optimal number of melee stones to avoid overwhelming the cabochon. Care and maintenance are straightforward, with gentle cleaning using warm soapy water and avoidance of ultrasonic cleaners and harsh abrasives, which preserves the natural polish and eliminates the risk of thermal or mechanical stress.

This blue flash moonstone presents a rare combination of natural origin, clean polish, and a demonstrable adularescence that lends itself to considered, high quality design work. The stone is supplied with full disclosure of its characteristics, including its no enhancement status and Ceylon origin, allowing designers and clients to plan settings that respect the material qualities while achieving the intended aesthetic. Whether incorporated as the centerpiece in a bespoke engagement ring, paired in a refined pendant, matched with specialty accent stones in a vintage inspired mount, or rendered into artisan cufflinks, this cabochon offers flexibility and a distinct optical presence. The Natural Gemstone Company is available to provide additional technical measurements or coordinating stones to assist in the commissioning process, ensuring the final jewelry piece integrates the stone securely, respects its optical orientation, and showcases its natural blue flash to best effect.